NFLRA & NFL close to deal, refs could be on field as early as this weekend

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NFLRA & NFL close to deal, refs could be on field as early as this weekend

The NFL and the NFL Referees Association made enough progress in negotiations Tuesday night that the possibility of the locked-out officials returning in time to work this week's games has been discussed, according to sources on both sides.
An agreement in principle is at hand, according to one source familiar to talks, although NFL owners have postured with a "no more compromise" stance.
Although league sources said it would take a week to get the locked-out officials on the field, the NFLRA says its 121 referees have been trained on the new rules implemented last season, have already passed physicals or are prepared to pass physicals immediately. New official game uniforms designed by Nike are "hardly an obstacle," according to a source.
Both sides have made concessions on previous sticking points such as a taxi squad of 21 new officials and pension plans that sources say the final meaningful hurdle is, as one source said, "about a little more money."

ESPN's Chris Mortensen is reporting that an agreement between the NFL and NFLRA is at hand.

With a deal in principle reached Wednesday morning, the regular officials could be back as soon as this week. All it took was one of the worst calls in league history in front of a national audience on Monday Night Football. The issue will hopefully be put to bed now.

I heard the ref's demands only would cost the NFL $3 million/year. That is such a small amount in a $9 billion business. I am sure Jerry Jones and the other big wig's could call their local bank and have them cut a check for this amount in five minutes flat. I think the refs want a guaranteed pension, and not just a 401K. Maybe just make the refs full-time year round employees. I think they make $150,000 as part-timers....that is great money for working just 16 to 20 games a year. I miss Ed Hochuli showing off his guns.